Even not giving can turn out to be a gift.

Today a friend thanked me for helping her do something that felt good. It was an easy one on my end. I gave her a couple of my “caring bags” – large plastic baggies where I put a pair of wool socks, a warm hat and gloves and a granola bar. I’m giving them to friends so they can give them away to those in need. She gave her first one to someone today and thanked me for the gift of an “awesome” feeling. To my friend: It was all YOU.

This all started with my umbrella project (giving away umbrellas to those I see standing in the rain with nothing). It’s been great. But the one experience that really stuck with me was the umbrella I didn’t give away.

I drive home on Glenwood Ave. and late one night there was a guy, pants hanging down quite low, standing in the pouring rain with no jacket and no umbrella. I decided to pull over and offer him one (my kids worry about this project – but I can’t help myself). I stopped, rolled down my window and asked “Would you like an umbrella [holding it toward the window].” “No!” he angrily responded. My response, “Ok. Have a great night!” Then, as I started to roll up my window I heard … “Hey … Thanks. I appreciate it.”

It was a powerful moment for both of us. We give with no agenda. With no care for race or gender or economic status. At that split second – I think (hope) he realized that there was no agenda. Just me and an umbrella. And maybe, just maybe, it hit his heart as it hit mine. A gift with nothing but words exchanged.

In these crazy times – let’s just keep giving, keep working, and keep spreading the kindness and love. There will always be anger and hurt. And, of course, there will always be love! 🙂

Here’s my song of the week (year) (lifetime). I hope it puts a smile on your face! (words below) xoxo

Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place [x2]
For you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won’t let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (and the world) will be a better place
All the world (all the world) will be a better place
For you (for you)
And me (and me)
You just wait (just wait)
And see, wait and see
Take a good look around
And if you’re looking down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the…